I didn't have any luck turning up either a ship named Appledore or a John Beara. I did learn by googling Appledore that there was a ship building company by that name. It's possible that the lantern was a gift to John Beara from the ship building co. Maybe he worked for them. I am just guessing at this. I will keep your info and if I run across anything I will pass it along to you. Good luck with your search.